Netflix users are praising a new film that’s topping the streaming service’s charts, calling it the rare example of a true-crime documentary being done sensitively.
The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson was released earlier this month, and it focuses on the case of a professional cyclist who was fatally shot in Austin, Texas, aged 25, in May 2022.
Wilson, a rising sporting star, was staying at her friend Caitlin Cash’s home while preparing for a major race, and spent the night of her death having dinner with another cycling pro, Colin Strickland.
Cash found Wilson unresponsive after returning home, and police soon turned their attention to Strickland’s on-off girlfriend, Kaitlin Armstrong; they uncovered a pattern of jealousy over Wilson’s relationship with Strickland.
Armstrong was later found guilty of Wilson’s murder and sentenced to 90 years in prison.
The documentary, made by Marina Zenovich and Free Solo producer Evan Hayes, tracks the investigation and trial, but also spends time introducing viewers to Wilson’s life as well as the impact her death had on the cycling community.
Where similar true-crime documentaries have faced criticism for sensationalising the murders they explore, this particular one is being praised for its sensitivity – and has been hailed as “essential viewing”.
“The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson on Netflix is so good,” one viewer said. “I’ve followed this case since day one, and I’m so glad they finally did a documentary that honours her life and brilliance as an athlete, not just the tragedy.”
Another said the documentary was “so desperately sad” but levelled that it was “uplifting” due to the way it focused on Wilson and her life.
“The Moriah Wilson Netflix documentary will be essential viewing in the cycling community,” a separate viewer wrote on X/Twitter.
“A grim tale tactfully handled by Marina Zenovich, & one in which the dignity & grace of Wilson‘s family are especially humbling.”
In an interview about the documentary with Time, Zenovich said of Wilson: “She was a young woman who was kind of on the cusp, she had found what she loved to do. And she was incredibly good at it.”
Meanwhile, Evans said that, by spending time honouring Wilson, the documentary is a reminder of “how to treat your neighbour, how to be a part of a community” and “that violence is never the answer”.
Richard Gadd still ‘proud’ of Baby Reindeer despite Netflix lawsuit
Love on the Spectrum favorite reveals why he’s leaving the show after three seasons
Netflix is removing a large selection of movies this month
Trump slammed by George Clooney for threat to wipe out Iran: ‘That’s a war crime’
Craig Melvin drops Devil Wears Prada 2 spoiler in on-air slip-up
Anna Wintour poses with Devil Wears Prada double Meryl Streep as she addresses film
